Alberta Politicians Make Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Naughty Or Nice List

The Canadian Press

CP

EDMONTON - The Alberta chapter of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has released its annual naughty-or-nice list of provincial cabinet ministers.

Spokesman Derek Fildebrandt says the list is based on Freedom of Information requests the federation made in early September, looking at the ministers' expenses.

Fildebrandt says the naughty list includes Dave Hancock for charging taxpayers for his membership in the law society and for hefty hotel bills at Calgary's swank Palliser Hotel and the Banff Springs Hotel.

Tourism Minister Christine Cusanelli makes the list for expenses she filed for the London Olympics, though she has already apologized and paid the money back.

Fildebrandt brands Premier Alison Redford as naughty for her handling of the Olympic tourism scandal.

Fildebrandt said Griffiths scored marks for standing up to Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi "when the mayor was demanding new taxing powers without any new accountability for that.''

Griffiths insisted on a referendum.

"Minister Griffiths put his foot down, did the right thing, and for that, this year, he tops our nice list,'' said Fildebrandt.

Scott impressed the federation, which argued taxpayers should be able to go online and see what politicians are spending.

"To our surprise, he listened 100 per cent and, as a result, Alberta now has a nation-leading policy whereby taxpayers can go to alberta.ca and see exactly what their politicians are spending.''

Dennis was praised for his tame expense claims.

"He had the most boring expense claim I've ever seen in my life,'' said Fildebrandt. "He went to a German beerhouse, ordered Weisswurst sausages, and didn't even get a German beer to wash it down. So, for putting no rum in his eggnog, he's on the nice list.''